China files WTO complaint against US over additional tariffs

China has lodged a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the United States' decision to impose an additional 10-per cent tariff on Chinese goods, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced on February 4.

The move aims to protect China’s legitimate rights and interests, according to an MOC spokesperson, who criticised the U.S. action as a serious violation of WTO rules and an example of unilateralism and trade protectionism, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media.

The U.S. imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese products has severely undermined the rules-based multilateral trading system, eroded the foundation of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, and disrupted global industrial and supply chains, the spokesperson stated.

Beijing condemned Washington for prioritising unilateral measures over multilateral trade principles, a stance that has drawn widespread criticism from WTO members. "China firmly opposes the U.S. actions and urges the U.S. side to immediately rectify its wrongdoings," the spokesperson added.

China reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system and pledged to work with other WTO members to counter the impact of trade protectionism. "As a staunch supporter and significant contributor to the multilateral trading system, China will continue to safeguard the orderly and stable development of international trade," the spokesperson concluded. 

By Vugar Khalilov